In less than a week, South Africans across our country will vote in the most important elections since 1994.

Over the last three months we have campaigned on a positive message of change. Not just any change: real change; change that will move our country forward again by creating jobs, delivering better services and stopping corruption.

Our country is no longer going in the right direction. Progress has stalled. Jacob Zuma, and the ANC he is now inseparable from, have opted to take our country backwards.  We have witnessed that just this past week, where he has resorted to the worst sort of gutter politics.

On 03 August 2016, voters across South Africa will therefore face a choice. To stick with Jacob Zuma and his ANC’s corruption, division, and joblessness, or to get our country working again, with DA governments that are 100% committed to realising Madiba’s dream.

This change can happen. The DA is heading into these elections in a strong position. According to IPSOS/ENCA polling, we are now neck and neck with the ANC in Tshwane, Johannesburg and Nelson Mandela Bay.

I am here to share that we can win in these metros, and make this an historic election for our young democracy. But to do this, every single person who wants South Africa to move forward again – who wants jobs, better services, and to stop corruption – must come out in their numbers and vote for DA.

Every single vote in this election is going to count. It is going to go down to the wire. Your vote is powerful, and it will matter on 03 August.

The party, under the leadership of Mmusi Maimane MP, is fired up, and ready to march toward Election Day in every ward in every municipality.

Our Phetogo Closing Rally, on Saturday in Dobsonville, marks the high point of our campaign.

The venue is significant, located to close where our leader, Mmusi Maimane MP, grew up in Soweto. Tomorrow, Mr Maimane will be in Soweto mobilising the community to come and join our rally so that they can hear our offer and make an informed choice on 03 August.

Indeed, our Phetogo Rally will be a festival of hope for change in South Africa, and continued progress where the DA governs.

It is the culmination of thousands of hours of dedication and hard work, by thousands of DA activists across South Africa. We would like to use this opportunity to thank every single one of them. Our activists are the heartbeat of our party – we would not exist without you.

The accreditation for this event is now open, and you may contact the DA at cayleyg@da.org.za.

Accreditation desk will open 09h00 on Saturday, the official programme will start at 10h00, and our live broadcast will begin at 11h30 on SABC 2. It will also be live on ENCA, ANN7, SABC 404, and live on the DA website. We encourage as many South Africans to join us in what will be a day filled with hope.

I have personally never felt such momentum behind the DA. In every community, and among every sphere of society, positivity and support for the DA has been inundating.

In every corner of South Africa the support encourages us immensely.

Our positive message of CHANGE for every South African has moved more people than ever to cheer with us, to rally with us, to march with us, to sing with us, to campaign with us and to commit to voting for the DA.

The people of South Africa agree with the DA, that change is desperately needed.

On 03 August 2016, we can win, and bring this offer – and realise Madiba’s dream – but only if every South African turns out and votes for CHANGE.

We are now inviting all South Africans, in every municipality, to join the victory that is coming on 03 August. We are inviting all South Africans to vote for CHANGE.